MINSK, 17 December (BelTA) – Belarus can do without support from the International Monetary Fund. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made the statement on 17 December, BelTA has learned.
“We will do everything ourselves. If the IMF helps us, we will thank them. They gave us a small loan, we thanked them, we service the loan and will repay it on time. If they don’t help us, we will do without them,” stated the President.
“You know what aid it is. Nobody will lend you money at 2-3% [per annum],” said Alexander Lukashenko. “We used to live without the IMF and will live on. Calm down, no need to worry that we will fail. We won’t regardless of whatever some people wish”.
“But we are asked to sell [enterprises] faster. The IMF will work in interests of the West and America because they are the main founders. We understand it, too. It is normal. But it is normal for them. The things, which are normal for Belarusians, are normal for us. And I will follow this policy whatever it may cost me”.
“I am the president of Belarus, I am not the head of the IMF or a minion of the USA or the European Union. I will remain the Belarusian president,” stressed the head of state.
|
